Immune Support NYC by Marc Bystock L.Ac.

A strong immune system is associated with robust health. It is your body’s defense system fighting against outside invaders to maintain your health and longevity.

Your immune system consists of barriers, cells, tissues, and organs located throughout your entire body. This powerful system protects you against potential microbial invaders like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, in addition to detecting and destroying cancer and damaged cells.

The immune system is divided into two basic subsystems. Your innate immunity gets its name because you are born with it. It provides protection by recognizing infectious invaders like bacteria and viruses. Barriers like the skin, mucus, and cell walls block invading organisms, while specialized cells termed neutrophils and macrophages engulf the microbes to diminish any infection. Other immune soldiers called natural killer cells destroy infected cells infiltrated by bacteria and viruses. Finally, on the innate side, dendritic cells present damaged tissue and fragments of microbes to T-cells.

T-cells are part of the adaptive immune system. They are responsible for killing infected cells and secreting cytokines, which induce more inflammation. The adaptive immune division starts it’s work usually five days or longer after an initial infection. B-cells which are derived from bone marrow function by producing antibodies. Once antibodies are created to antigens, they are categorized for future response to infections.

The lymphatic system is composed of lymph nodes, lymph vessels, tonsils, thymus, and bone marrow, creating a network of organs and tissues whose priority function is the transportation of lymph fluid. This fluid is carried throughout the body, and it carries bacteria, viruses, and damaged cells to lymph nodes which filter out debris.

Even though the immune system is located around the entire body, approximately 80% of it is centered in your digestive system. The reason for this is simple; your gut is where the outside world intersects with the inside of the body. The immune system in your digestive system must vet out every bite of food and fluid that you take in daily so that viruses, bacteria, fungi, and bacteria do not pass into your bloodstream. The immune system in the gut sees more activity daily than the rest of the body does in a lifetime. 

Now you can understand why it is so important to keep a healthy working digestive system. Symptoms such as bloating, gas, indigestion, constipation, and diarrhea all need to be resolved to eliminate gut inflammation, preserve a healthy gut microbiota, and maintain a strong immune system.

Laboratory tests can determine if white blood cells, basophils, and eosinophils are out of range. Tests may be used to look for specific antibodies, or an easy self-assessment test may be utilized. You can evaluate your immune system by answering these seven easy questions:

• What is your stress level like?
• Do you get frequent colds and cases of flu?
• Do your wounds heal slowly?
• Do you suffer from frequent infections?
• Are you tired much of the time?
• Do you have digestive disturbances?
• What is the quality of your sleep? 

Experiencing frequent colds is an example of the body’s innate and adaptive immune systems not being able to catch up. Individuals with low immune status require added support.

Slow-healing wounds show inefficiency in your immune system’s ability to destroy invading microbes and eliminate damaged tissue. This is another sign that your immune system requires bolstering.

There are several reasons why you may experience exhaustion. Many of us do not receive sufficient sleep. Studies indicate a direct correlation between a lack of sleep and a decline in leukocytes and natural killer cells, both necessary to maintain healthy immunity.

Inflammation in the digestive tract may occur from a diet deficient in nutrients and high in pharmaceuticals, toxic substances, and abundant in stress. An inflammatory gut leads to a decrease in the mucosal border, lower amounts of secretory IgA, a dysbiosis, and a leaky gut. This means a lowered immune function and an increased potential for systemic infection as well as autoimmune spectrum disorders.

• Frequent infections, especially respiratory, sinus, ear, and skin.
• Inflammation of internal organs
• Digestive issues such as pain, diarrhea, constipation, nausea or vomiting
• Anemia and low platelet counts
• Delayed growth and maturation

Conventional medicine primarily relies on a pharmaceutical approach to alter any immune response. It’s usually a one size fits all approach. Either immune suppressants or immune stimulants may be prescribed. 

When it comes to immunodeficiency, immunoglobulin therapy may be selected. It can either be injected or administered through an intravenous line. It contains antibodies necessary to support immune function.

Interferon-gamma therapy is often the drug of choice. This substance is naturally synthesized in the body; it combats viruses and bacteria through its support of the immune system. Immuno-suppressant medications may be given to assist the body, usually in organ transplant acceptance.

Studies show that acupuncture reduces stress levels. A chronic rising cortisol level produced from too much persistent stress can lower your immune capacity. Acupuncture is a proven technique to boost interferon molecules in the body. The interferon protein is released in response to a microbial invader. Interferon inhibits viral reproduction.

Acupuncture is anti-inflammatory. Studies show that it repairs the inner lining of the intestine. This is significant because 80% of the immune system is located in the gut.

Acupuncture is an excellent pain remedy. It increases blood perfusion, relaxes and soothes muscles, and reduces pain by increasing opioid peptides and stimulating the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is found throughout the entire body. It becomes deficient in diseased states. Stimulating CB1 and especially CB2 receptors in the body will boost the immune system.

Studies show that acupuncture stimulates adenosine levels in the brain. This mechanism lowers perceived pain in the body. When pain and inflammation are down-regulated, the immune system has an opportunity to strengthen. 

Over the years that I’ve practiced acupuncture, I’ve successfully treated many patients who were diagnosed with conditions ranging from immunodeficiency to autoimmune diseases. As a result of COVID-19, many of my patients now ask me what steps they should take to fortify their immunity.

• Receive an acupuncture treatment once per week for 5-10 consecutive weeks to reduce inflammation and bolster immune cell activity. Enjoy maintenance treatments once per quarter throughout the year.
• Take Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western herbs to reduce inflammation and boost immune cellular response.
• Increase your phytonutrient spectrum by consuming a diet rich in a variety of vegetables and fruits each day.
• Eliminate all trigger foods that cause pro-inflammatory effects.
• Eliminate all gut inflammation, dysbiosis, and candida.
• Manage stress using acupuncture, adaptogens, and meditation.
• Improve sleep quality and exercise regularly.
• Use a high quality pulsed electromagnetic frequency device daily.
• Spend time in nature as much as possible
• Surround yourself with positive thoughts, friends and loved ones as much as possible
• Always express gratitude and use prayer often

This shield can be boosted by taking certain herbs, eating dense quality protective foods, getting moderate exercise, quality sleep, meditation, and acupuncture. These techniques will be supportive of both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western herbal pharmacopeia offer a plethora of herbal compounds and formulas to boost and modulate the immune system. Here is a small sample of nutrients and herbal boosting compounds:

• Zinc: Stimulates both epithelial tissue and natural killer cells
• Vitamin A: Supports white blood production
• Vitamin C: Supports phagocytosis of neutrophils and macrophages
• Echinacea: Modulates the immune system by stimulating CB1 and CB2 receptors. Boosts natural killer cell and neutrophil activity
• Astragalus: Has antiviral and antioxidant properties
• Eleuthero: Has antiviral properties and can increase overall endurance